DISEASES OF THE MUSCLES AND TENDONS. 187 



which it induces, by drawing the high local fever to the 

 surface. Two or three weeks generally suffices for the dis- 

 charge of the matter, the swelling disappearing, meanwhile, 

 with surprising rapidity. 



When the liniment is first applied, great care must be 

 exercised not to use it too freely nor allow it to remain too 

 long upon the tumor, as the fever and irritation which it 

 brings on are sudden and powerful, an-d tend to punish the 

 horse severely. It seems to scald the skin upon. the surface 

 before it has time to act on the capillaries and penetrate 

 to the deeper seat of the disease. Even when properly 

 used, the horse gives evidence of considerable suffering for 

 a few days, but this will be relieved at once when suppura- 

 tion actively sets in. 



A few cases of failure with this remedy are to be recorded, 

 but it is believed that they are all justly chargeable to an 

 improper use of the May-apple liniment. In obstinate cases 

 an alternation of that application with the corrosive liniment, 

 each employed for two or three days at a time, will prove very 

 beneficial. Bleeding is indispensable. Fever is raging in the 

 system,. and the blood, poisoned by virus from the fistula, is 

 thick and sluggish. Its character must be changed by quick, 

 active, and powerful alteratives, and its quantity lessened by 

 copious bleeding from the neck-vein. A gallon of blood may 

 be taken away the first time, and half that amount again six 

 days later. After this, sulphur and green feed, with the ordi- 

 nary treatment, will be sufficient. « 



REMARKABLE CASES. 



The history of a few remarkable cases, in which fistula 

 was successfully treated by the remedies here recommended, 

 can scarcely fail to interest all concerned in the care of 

 horses, and who may, at any time, be called upon to combat 

 this formidable disease. They all occurred in the author's 

 own practice during the years from 1847 to 1851. 



A valuable young mare, belonging to Mr. Job Hicks, of 

 Gibson County, Tenn., had been suffering from a large fistula 



